On Wednesday February 6, 2013 at approximately 9:30 AM, Beverly Police detectives, with assistance from the North Eastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC) SWAT team, executed a high risk search warrant at 68 Dane Street, a rooming house with approximately 20 occupants. Arrested during the incident was Roland Masse, 36, of 68 Dane Street, apt. 2. Detectives needed the assistance of the NEMLEC SWAT team due to the presence of a large Pit Bull dog in Masse's room and the presence of other residents with criminal backgrounds.

The NEMLEC SWAT team entered the building first and secured the apartment. Masse was handcuffed for officer safety and Beverly Animal Control Officer James Lindley secured the Pit Bull. Beverly detectives then entered the apartment and seized a large amount of both powder and Crack Cocaine, a firearm with defaced serial number, ammunition, and cash proceeds from drugs sales. The firearm, a .38 caliber revolver, was located in a laptop style bag next to where Masse was sitting when officers enter his room.

This search warrant and arrest was the result of an approximate five week investigation by Beverly Police detectives. Masse is charged with trafficking in cocaine, possession of firearm without a license, possession of ammunition without an FID card, defacing a firearm serial number, and firearms security violation. Masse also had four active warrants for his arrest.

Also assisting with in this incident was the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE), who identified Masse as an illegal alien and issued an ICE detainer.